A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals over cybercrime offences, each fined ₦1 million and ordered to leave Nigeria within six working days.
Justice Ekerete Akpan delivered the ruling based on a plea bargain between the defendants and the Nigeria Police Force. He ruled that the sentence, including the financial penalty and deportation order, followed agreed terms and due process.
The 21 convicts are among 109 foreign nationals being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police over charges of cybercrime, money laundering, and actions deemed threats to Nigeria’s national security.
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The convicts, from countries including China, Indonesia, Brazil, and the Philippines, had earlier faced a six-count charge involving cybercrime, money laundering, and immigration violations.
Initially remanded in custody after failing to meet stringent bail conditions, they were accused of operating an unregistered online gaming platform from a property in Abuja.
Justice Akpan also ordered the forfeiture of all digital tools used in the crime.
Trial of the remaining 88 accused persons resumes in October.
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